Opinions On Spending Voiced

WEST HARTFORD — More than 20 people attended a hearing Tuesday on the proposed town budget, but only half of them actually offered an opinion.

Most of those who spoke were more concerned with protecting services than avoiding an increase in taxes in the fiscal year that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30, 2004 .

Although the hearing was intended to garner feedback on the proposed town services budget, many speakers urged the town council not to make any cuts to the education budget when it finalizes both spending plans on April 22.

``I am here to speak in support of the budget and express a willingness to pay higher taxes,'' said resident Roger Goldbeck. ``All children deserve an excellent education.''

Resident Debbie Hunt said she lives in West Hartford because of the quality schools, not the tubs of flowers that grace West Hartford Center or the rubbish collection service.

``Don't ask our students to sacrifice various programs,'' Hunt said.

The proposed budget for 2003-04 is $168.4 million, which includes town services and education spending. This represents a 6.6 percent increase over current spending.

Funding these proposed budgets would require a tax rate of 40.88 mills, an increase of 3.23 mills or 8.6 percent.

Despite the proposed increases in spending and taxes, the 2003-04 budget actually contains some significant cuts. The town plans to eliminate 39 full-time positions and to restructure some departments.

Council members did not offer any comments during the 40-minute hearing.

Resident Joseph Arbuglio urged council members not to support a steep tax increase, saying many in town cannot afford it.

``You should be looking after those retirees who are seeing their nest eggs vanish,'' Arbuglio said.

Phil Meister, president of the West Hartford Taxpayers Association, suggested that council members give residents the final say on whether taxes should be increased.

Council members should approve both the town services and education budgets as proposed and then let residents petition for a referendum, he said.